The placement of the bright pink painted wooden flamingos in
the University Lake earlier this week is a sure sign that Carnival season and Mardi Gras in
Baton Rouge is just around the corner.

The flamingos are the main symbol of one Baton Rouge's
largest annual parades, the Spanish Town parade, which is in its 33rd
year.

Residents who swam, waded and canoed out to capture a
flamingo of their own will be able to show them off at the Spanish Town parade,
which will be held March 1 this year. Below is a roundup of other Baton Rouge
Carnival season events.

Know of other events that can be added to the list? Leave
them in the comments below!

Bring your pup decked out in a fun costume for this parade,
sponsored by the Capital Area Animal Welfare Society. All dogs and individuals
participating in the parade must pay a $25 registration fee. This year's theme
is "Semper Fideaux" and is a salute to service dogs. It begins at 1:30 p.m. at
North Boulevard Town Square.

Bark in the Park: From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., come out and visit
booths and vendors before and after the parade. Enjoy food, shopping, contests
and fun throughout the day.

Costumes contest: The Mystic Krewe of Mutts will hold its
costume contest at the North Boulevard Town Lawn Stage starting at 11 a.m.

This parade is about the ladies! It's the only parade in
Baton Rouge with an exclusively female krewe. This year's theme is "Come Rock
and Roll with Artemis." It kicks off at 7 p.m. at the Baton Rouge River Center.

One of the city's oldest communities shows off its
revitalization and vibrance in a different sort of parade, which is open to
anyone. It begins at noon at the Old Governor's Mansion on North Boulevard.

Visit MardiGras.com for information about any other parades and Mardi Gras events happening throughout the state.